The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1887-02-16
A GREAT Wolf HUNT.
A Hinge Circle of Men and Dogs
Twenty Miles in Diameter.
Nearly 1000 Hunters Kill Fifteen
Wolves After a Lively Chase.

The grandest wolf hunt that has ever taken
place in Illinois occurred in Douglas Coun-
ty on Thursday. About 1000 hunters took
part in the drive Fifteen wolves were killed
and about twenty-five made their escape
through the lines. The whole Of Sargent
township was surrounded by a circle of
sportsmen from Douglas, Coles, Edgar,
Vermillion and Moultrie counties, with a
not inconslderable detachment fr,m In
diana. The township lies between the Illi-
nois Midland and the indianapolis and
Springfield railroads and within COM
paratively easy driving distance of Oak
land, Hurseboro, Brockton, Newman,
Tuscola, Tolona, Arcola, Mattoon,
Paris, and several other growing
towns 1t was surrounded by four COM
pauies, each commanded by captains The
miles in diameter. The east line, which
proved to be the weakest, extended from
Brockton to Newman, along the Little
Amboy River. The north line, from New
man to Brush Fork, was the stronGO;t. The
west line, from Newman to Holbrook's farm,
contained the greatest Dumber Of hunters
The rules prohibited guns hut hunters were
Fully one-fourth of the men were mounted,
and it was this violation of the rule that
afforded the wolves opportunities to escape.
At 9 A. NJ, the different captains galloped
up and down the lines, tried to fill up gaps
and distribute crowds, and reminded all
ef the responsibilities on their shoul-
ders. The beaters were drawn from
all sorts and conditions Of men. Some
were large landowners, others sportsmen,
pure and simple, and others more or less in
terested residents in the neighborhood. The
east line advanced with mighty shout which
could be distinctly heard by members of the
west line, fully eight miles distant The
lung power Of the beaterS must have
been remarkable, for they kept up
the yell almost incessantly for over two
hours. As matter of skilful general>hip
the captains erred in allowing this. There
were 500 dogs in the hunt aud in the first fif
teen minutes dozen wolves were beaten up,
two of which were killed. The roundup
was arranged to take place on "Andy"
Gwynn's farm, and with deafening shouts
the circle gradually contracted. A pack of FIVE
wolves was discovered by the east corps.
The wolves were not the ordinary prairie
wolves, but were of the "timber" or "gray"
species, averaging in weight fully fifty
dogs. The five in question were almost
within range Of shotgun, but they d not
remain stationary many seconds. Right at
the southeast corner was gap between the
two lines of fully 100 yards and the
wolves made a rush for it at light.
ming speed. The beaters responded
with gallant effort to close
the breach, and for a minute the excite
ment was intense. Then as the party Of five
were seen galloping over the brow of a hill
outside the lines, howl of Indignation went
up from the ranks. Dogs were cursed and
kicked, and every one was saying that if he
had the organizing of the drive the gap
would not have been where itwaa
But it was no use to cry over "spilt milk"
Four wolves succeeded in getting through,
three being killed. The other eight dashed
at weak place in the north line and three
were killed with clubs, the rest scampering
throuph